Sonic Internet Review
Speed is of the essence for internet users nowadays. With the endless amount of streaming content available, you want an internet provider that offers speed and reliability so you can play your favorite games and binge-watch award-winning shows without lag or interruption.
With so many internet service providers (ISPs) available, choosing one that meets your requirements is not as easy as it seems. Of course, everybody will claim that they have faster upload and download speeds that cater to the most demanding users. But among the different providers, Sonic internet is one to watch out for.
This post discusses why you should consider Sonic internet, its features, and the latest accolades it received from well-respected publishers in the industry.
- Who is Sonic internet for?
- Key considerations
- What others say about Sonic internet
- How does Sonic internet compare to other providers?
Who is Sonic internet for?
Sonic internet is geared towards users looking for an affordable internet provider with fast upload and download speeds.
Its fiber-optic internet uses the latest and most advanced technology available to deliver speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). With this much speed, you can do a wide range of activities, from uploading 4K videos on YouTube in seconds to downloading 30GB of games in minutes.
Other features included in Sonic’s fiber-optic internet include unlimited data, free installation, and member-focused privacy policies. Users subscribing beyond Sonic’s basic fiber service can get 15 email accounts (1GB storage each), free VPN, spam call blocking, and more.
First-time subscribers can take Sonic for a free 30-day trial without commitments. Whatever happens after the 30 days, they won’t be charged for anything.
Key considerations
What services does Sonic internet offer?
Sonic internet offers residential and business services.
Residents can enjoy phone service features such as spam call blocking and unlimited local and long-distance calling on top of its internet services.
Businesses can ensure that their needs are met with Sonic’s enterprise features. It includes unparalleled local customer support, managed Wi-Fi solutions, unified communications (using internet and phone), and a Service License Agreement (SLA) guaranteeing 99.99% uptime.
Which locations is Sonic internet available in?
Sonic Fiber is only available in California, particularly in the suburbs of Berkeley, San Mateo, Hillsborough, San Francisco, and parts of Sacramento.
What are the choices if Sonic’s fiber-optic internet is unavailable in my location?
If Sonic’s fiber-optic network is not available in your location, you can choose from Fusion or Fusion IP Broadband. The former delivers your internet over VDSL or ADSL2+ that you can install on your own. Fusion IP Broadband is similar to Sonic Fiber, but it delivers AT&T’s IP Network using fiber-to-the-node or fiber-to-the-home technology.
How much is Sonic internet?
Sonic’s fiber-optic internet costs $49.99/month for the first 12 months, while its Fusion packages cost at least $59.99/month depending on your chosen download speeds.
How long is the contract period locked in?
When subscribing to any of Sonic’s internet plans, you must sign a 12-month contract. When canceling your account before the end of your agreement, you must pay an early termination fee (ETF) of up to $200.
After the contract ends, subscribers can choose between a one or three-year extension for the same or higher plan. Regardless of which plan you choose for renewal, expect a price increase of at least $10/month. Those unsatisfied with its service can cancel their accounts without incurring an ETF.
Are there equipment and rental fees?
Equipment fees apply to Sonic subscribers in specific plans. For example, those in the Fusion plan that need a Wi-Fi router may rent one from Sonic, which costs an additional $10/month. The same goes for Fusion IP Broadband subscribers that use an analog telephone adaptor and AT&T modem, both of which are available for rent from the internet provider.
On the other hand, Sonic fiber-optic internet users receive an optical network terminal that functions as an analog telephone adaptor and a router for free.
Users can supply their own equipment, so they don’t have to rent from Sonic. On the downside, they won’t be able to enjoy all of Sonic’s features and won’t receive customer support for the equipment.
What others say about Sonic internet
It’s one thing for Sonic to claim it has the fastest and most affordable internet service in America. It’s another for highly reputable online publications to sing the same praises to the internet provider. Below are some of the recognitions Sonic has received from other websites:
- Sonic is the “best regional internet provider in San Francisco,” according to Ry Crist at CNET. He applauds the fast internet speeds at a simple flat rate. He also said that the free first month of service makes Sonic a very attractive internet provider, especially if available in your area.
- ZDNet also considers Sonic one of the best internet service providers in San Francisco. Author Cynthia Bowman recommends Sonic to those looking for the higher speed internet plans.
- PCMag names Sonic as one of the two fastest ISPs in the United States in 2022 (the other winner is Verizon Fios). The publication has been giving Sonic its due, having previously won “Best Gaming ISP” and other regional awards focused on speed.
How does Sonic internet compare to other providers?
Sonic compares favorably to AT&T as a high-speed internet provider. In fact, the only clear advantage AT&T has is availability and its internet and TV bundles. Other than that, Sonic has more consistent pricing (it doesn’t have a substantial price increase after the first year), arguably better speed for gaming and streaming, and genuine local customer support.
Like AT&T, Xfinity has the advantage over Sonic for its better service coverage and extensive bundle options. However, Sonic has fast, reliable speeds and unlimited data at affordable prices.
Ultimately, its limited availability prevents Sonic from receiving more attention. But if it’s available in your area, you may want to consider Sonic for your internet needs, especially with a free 30-day trial.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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